3 minute read
Our cricket expert John M provides his full in-depth preview, analysis and expert Big Bash tips across each and every match of the 2023/24 BBL 13 T20 Cricket series, right here on the Betfair Hub!
MELBOURNE STARS V HOBART HURRICANES
It's been another disappointing season for the Hobart Hurricanes but they could yet break some hearts when they travel to take on the Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Monday. After a horrific start to the tournament the Stars stand on the brink of a remarkable semi-final appearance which has been underscored by a unique approach in which they have picked a deep batting line-up filled with a variety of all-rounders including Dan Lawrence, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Beau Webster. The Hurricanes' BBL13 campaign went out with a whimper as they were overwhelmed by the Adelaide Strikers with last season's revelation Paddy Dooley enduring a horror evening as he was manhandled for 52 off 2.5 wicketless overs with Adelaide chasing down Hobart's compelling 6/167 with ease.
This is another clash between one side who has it all to play for and another with theoretically nothing on the line, although that does not guarantee which way the result will go. It's been a bit of a stop-start season for Hobart's top-order talent Ben McDermott but he has caught fire of late, averaging 65.33 since his return to the side against the Thunder on New Year's Day and top-scoring in two of those five games so we fancy he'll finish off his season with a bang.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Ben McDermott Top Hobart Hurricanes Batter at $4.75+ for 1 unit 
PERTH SCORCHERS V SYDNEY SIXERS
The two most celebrated clubs in the history of the BBL will warm-up for another finals campaign when the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers clash at Optus Stadium on Tuesday night. The Scorchers showed that they wouldn't give up their title defence without a fight when they won the reverse fixture against the Brisbane Heat at this ground on Saturday as specialist finisher Nick Hobson smashed an unbeaten 48 off 20 balls and express quick Lance Morris captured 3/26 off four overs to avenge their loss to the Heat in Brisbane three days earlier. Meanwhile the Sixers are set for a sixth-straight semi-final appearance after getting the better of city rivals the Thunder at the SCG on Friday night, defending an under-par 7/151 thanks to the efforts of wily veteran Steve O'Keefe who bamboozled the Thunder with 3/13 off four overs.
It's difficult to remember the last time the Scorchers were underdogs at home and it's not about to start now, even against their oldest foes. The Magenta Men are one side who have consistently challenged and met the high standards of their all-conquering opponents, but Perth is not their favourite place to travel, winning there just once since 2012. So I'll be backing the defending champions to go into the latter stages with their tails up.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Perth Scorchers WIN at $1.70+ for 2 units
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